For the first time in Greece, the existence of a wolf-dog hybrid has been confirmed, highlighting changes in the dynamics of local wildlife. The discovery, presented by biologist Aimilia Ioakimeidou of the Callisto group during a conference in Athens, is based on genetic testing of 50 wolf samples in Greece. This discovery provides crucial information on the genetic interaction between wild and domestic canines on the European continent.
Discovery and characteristics of the hybrid
The hybrid was detected near Thessaloniki by Callisto , an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. While analyzing 50 wolf samples from the country, they identified one specimen with 45% wolf genetics and 55% dog genetics. This cross confirms the ability of gray wolves (Canis lupus) to interbreed with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris).
Although at first glance the differences between wolves and dogs may seem significant, genetically they are very closely related. In fact, they share 99.96% of their DNA, which explains why their evolutionary separation occurred between 14,000 and 40,000 years ago. This close relationship facilitates interbreeding and the production of fertile offspring between the two species.
This hybridization raises a debate about whether wolves and dogs are distinct species or subspecies, but it's clear that they can interbreed and produce viable offspring. Most canids, including dogs, wolves, coyotes, and jackals, exhibit this ability, countering the general idea that different species cannot reproduce.
Biological context and evolution of hybrids
The hybrid phenomenon is neither unique to Greece nor recent. Studies in Eurasia have shown that 62% of wolves have minimal segments of canine DNA , demonstrating continuous interbreeding throughout the evolutionary history of these species. This means that interbreeding between wolves and dogs has been frequent and is part of their adaptation.
Unlike infertility common in other animal hybrids, such as mules, dogs and wolves share the same number of chromosomes (78 in 39 pairs), which facilitates reproduction between them with fewer genetic complications.
In the United States, for example, there are an estimated 300,000 dog-wolf hybrids, where hybridization typically occurs when domestic female dogs are in heat and mate with wild wolves.
Implications for Greek wildlife and society
The discovery of these hybrids in Greece could be directly related to the country's increasing wolf population. According to Callisto, there are currently around 2,075 wolves in Greece, a number that is increasing and their habitat is constantly expanding.
This resurgence has generated concern in local communities due to an increase in reports of wolf attacks , including alarming incidents such as the attack on a five-year-old girl on the Halkidiki Peninsula. The presence of wolf-dog hybrids adds an additional layer of complexity to the management and conservation of these species.
The situation also presents us with another challenge: the coexistence of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife in a constantly changing environment, where genetic interactions can influence the behavior and ecology of these canids.
The confirmation of this hybrid in Greece adds a new chapter to the story of European wolf survivors, reflecting the vital interconnection between nature and human communities in the region. This discovery invites deeper analysis of conservation, wildlife management, and understanding of animal genetics.
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